Manager of Learning & Engagement

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, part of the University of Chicago, has a long history of shaping the social work field. It focuses on solving complex social problems through research, training, and community engagement, addressing issues like educational inequality, health disparities, poverty, and child welfare. The To&Through Project, housed within the Kersten Institute for Urban Education at Crown Family School, is dedicated to improving educational outcomes and promoting equity in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The project aims to help educators use data for inquiry and impact, analyzing student journeys and working with stakeholders to shift practices and create equitable learning experiences from middle grades through college graduation. The To&Through team fosters a collaborative, reflective, and personable culture, valuing care, anti-racism, integrity, creativity, curiosity, and respect for all expertise. This position reports to the Director of Learning and Engagement and is crucial for designing, facilitating, and sustaining professional learning experiences that engage participants with data, deepen inquiry, and drive action for postsecondary access, persistence, and success for CPS students. The role involves working with a diverse range of stakeholders including educators, counselors, non-profit partners, higher education professionals, and community members. This is a grant-funded position with a primary grant expiration date of 6/30/2029, with a high likelihood of renewal.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (required)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education, social sciences, public policy, social work, or a related field or Master’s degree.
5+ years of experience designing and facilitating adult professional learning.
5-7 years relevant experience in educational settings, college access, or higher education (preferably serving historically underrepresented Black and Latine student populations; CPS experience).
Experience partnering with practitioners and organizations to create professional learning experiences.
Demonstrated expertise in adult learning, professional development, and/or postsecondary access and success.
Strong belief in equitable educational outcomes for all students.
Commitment to improving postsecondary access and success, particularly for underserved communities.
Ability to design and facilitate human-centered professional learning that centers participants’ expertise, lived experience, and commitment to students.
Strong grounding in adult learning theory, facilitation strategies, and pedagogical design, including modeling practices participants can adapt for their own contexts.
Demonstrated ability to design actionable learning experiences that respect participants’ time and lead to concrete changes in practice, skills, or beliefs.
Comfort facilitating learning that is rooted in data and research, including qualitative and quantitative sources, while acknowledging limitations and ethical considerations.
Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
Understand the local Chicago education landscape and be able to leverage professional networks to disseminate knowledge and build community.
Comfort facilitating and collaborating with school-based, non-profit, and higher education practitioners.
Ability to build and manage relationships across difference.
Experience presenting at and managing events; strong project management skills.
Ability to organize, interpret, and present data to diverse audiences.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and written/oral communication.
Experience in AI and LLMs to support work structures and systems.
Ongoing commitment to self-reflection, learning, and growth.
References (upon request)

Responsibilities

Design, co-design, and facilitate human-centered, engaging, equity-centered professional learning experiences for adult learners, including high school counselors, college access and success nonprofit staff, higher education professionals, and community members.
Lead and support professional learning rooted in data and research that sparks inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and action.
Develop session agendas, learning materials, tools, and facilitation strategies grounded in adult learning principles and sector best practices, focusing on data, reflection, and practice.
Design learning experiences that encourage joy, connection, and community-building alongside rigor and research.
Collaborate with internal data, research, and storytelling teams to integrate To &Through Project data, research, and insights into learning experiences.
Continuously refine professional learning offerings based on participant feedback, reflection, and outcomes.
Build and sustain strong working relationships with CPS central office teams, higher education partners, college access and success nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations.
Serve as a connector across K–12, higher education, and community stakeholders to align learning experiences and shared goals.
Translate complex data and systems-level information into accessible, relevant, and empowering formats for community audiences.
Support community-based initiatives that expand access to information and data for families and community members.
Represent the To & Through Project in meetings, convenings, and cross-sector collaborations.
Support planning, facilitation, and logistics for To&Through public-facing events, including convenings, workshops, learning sessions, and presentations.
Serve as a facilitator or presenter for events focused on postsecondary pathways, educational attainment, data use, and educational equity.
Collaborate with internal teams to contribute content for newsletters, presentations, social media, and other engagement materials.
Leverage research and data produced by To &Through teams and the Kersten Institute to inform learning and partnership efforts.
Stay current on the latest trends, research, and best practices in college access, higher education, and adult learning.
Contribute to refining conceptual frameworks, tools, and resources for To &Through networks and partners.
Coordinate program initiatives, ensuring unity of focus and purpose.
Develop programs and relationships to advance program initiatives under the direction of senior leadership.
Perform other related work as needed.